Hall targeting first-team role

Rob Hall has the appetite for first-team football after making his Barclays Premier League debut in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham.

Hall, who also impressed as a substitute in last week's Capital One Cup second-round win over Crewe Alexandra and made four first-team appearances last season, wants to feature for Sam Allardyce's side on a regular basis.

The 18-year-old, who has been in sensational form for the Development Squad, is enjoying the rewards after more than a decade working his way through the ranks at the club.

"I am very happy after making my Premier League debut," he told West Ham TV. "The lads helped me through it and I also played last Tuesday in the Capital One Cup.

"We put in very professional performances in both games and I am just grateful for the opportunites. It is also great for the other lads in the youth set-up too see someone make the step up."

After an impressive cameo against Crewe, the Boleyn Ground crowd gave Hall a stunning reception against Fulham and the young England Under-19 forward thanked Hammers fans for their support.

"It is very nice to receive such a welcoming atmosphere. The crowd play their part well whether we play home or away. On Saturday, I just wanted to get on and show them what I can do.

"We had to be very professional and see the game through and I thought we did that well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is obviously nice to hear positive things said about you after you come off the pitch."

Hall instantly caught the eye in both games with two rasping shots against Crewe and another against Fulham, but a combination of good goalkeeping and last-ditch defending mean he is still awaiting his first senior Hammers goal. However, the No46 vowed to remain patient and insisted the goals will come.

"I think on Tuesday I had two chances, I should have hit the target with at least one of them and on Saturday the shot I had was blocked.

"I just need to keep doing what I do and, if the ball comes to me, remain composed. I will continue to work hard on the training ground and I am sure it will happen."

Hall has been a part of West Ham for more than decade and he paid tribute to all those he has worked with over the years for helping him develop into the player he is today.

"I was in a very good team when I was younger. Even in the Development Squad, a lot of the lads have been here since we were as young as seven, so we have helped each other along the way.

"When we got to youth-team age points started to matter and you get to see a side of the game you don't when you are younger. We had a lot of positive results when we were younger and it is definitely hard to adjust, but you have to adapt, work harder and take everything as it comes."

After late deals secured the services of Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun, Hall admitted he was unsure whether he would be handed another Barclays Premier League opportunity in the near future but, after a small taster, he is ready to do all he can to feature once more.

"Last Friday was very hectic due to it being Deadline Day, so I was not sure whether I would make the bench. I knew I was in the squad but with players coming in I didn't know what would happen.

"Luckily the manager was brave enough to keep me on the bench and gave me my Premier League debut which I am very happy about. Thank God I have got here and now I have to keep pushing on and working hard."

Hall also believes that playing alongside the likes of Carroll, Benayoun and Matt Jarvis will only have a positive effect on his game.

"When I was younger and I used to sit in the stand and watch so to be on the pitch makes it all come into reality. You just need to take it all in and make sure you do not get nervous.

"We have definitely brought top players in. Yossi has come back and I was really young the last time he was here so it is nice to see him about.

"It is also great to have Andy coming in. He is a very big striker and I hope he and Carlton do well. I am obviously small so I think I can work well playing off them. Playing and training with them will only help me to develop my game."